Local Highlight - Apple Pears

February 24, 2014

Try this crisp, juicy pear variety while it’s in season locally!

This week’s local highlight is Asian Pears (also known as Nashi, or Apple Pears), from Kingsburg Orchards, which is located just under 200 miles from Oxy. Asian pears are crisp and very juicy, earning them the name of “apple pear,” even though they have no real relation to the apple. Because of their texture and juiciness, these pears are best eaten raw. The high water content, which makes the fruit bruise easily, also makes the fragrant fruit a great storage variety – they can keep for weeks in a cold, dry place.

Kingsburg Orchards is a family owned business that sources from growers in the Kingsburg area. Starting with apples and stone fruit, their business has expanded to include over 200 varieties of fruit! Their season starts with fruit from the Kettleman city area, which matures a month earlier than their orchards on the east side of the valley near Kingsburg – these microclimate growing season differences allows Kingsburg to supply quality fruit year round. Find them in the fruit stand in the Marketplace!